Isabelle Risner

Isabelle Risner is a History and Politics graduate from York University and worked for many years as a journalist and researcher. Her MSc is from Imperial College, London in Environmental Technology. Isabelle first became interested in the use of digital technologies in crafts practice as a student on the Falmouth University Contemporary Crafts BA (hons) course, where she achieved a first class degree in 2007. She pursued this interest as a research student and was awarded her PhD in 2013. Her doctoral thesis is titled: The Integration of Digital Technology into Designer-Maker Practice: a Study of Access, Attitudes and Implications.

In 2012-2014, Isabelle worked for Falmouth University as the Researcher for Supercrafted, a two year research project that investigated and explored digital technology innovation for crafts practitioners. This research demonstrated how online applications can add value to crafts practice by helping to make better connections to audiences and customers.

Isabelle is now the Research Fellow for the DiDIY project. She is based at the University of Westminster and responsible for the research undertaken as part of Work Package 5: DiDIY and creative society. This aims to explore, through case studies, workshops and videos, the impact of DiDIY on everyday creativity, culture and communities. For example, asking questions about the extent to which DiDIY could foster a spirit of self-motivated creativity and entrepreneurialism leading to significant social change.

Contact and further information:

Email: i.risner@westminster.ac.uk

Role in the DiDIY Project

Research Fellow for Work Package 5: DiDIY and creative society.

Cooperates on all the other DiDIY work packages.